Partying through the floods (From Worcester News)

Partying through the floods

8:10am Tuesday 1st January 2013 in News By Elizabeth Sweetman, @lizsweetmanWN #worcsnews

PEOPLE in Worcestershire were determined to enjoy a New Year party last night – despite a wet end to 2012 after months of flooding.

Ambulance crews were expecting their busiest night of the year last night as revellers took to the streets.

A spokesman for West Midlands Ambulance Service said additional crews were on duty across the region as plans were put in place to follow procedures for what was expected to be a busy night.

West Mercia Police also had extra crews on patrol as part of their ongoing Operation Christmas Presence, which they do every year.

Revellers across Worcestershire were urged to take extra caution when near the river’s edge and people travelling for the new year were also urged to take caution on roads, many of which remain closed or covered in surface water.

Fire crews were also out, prepared for the floods.

The river Severn is now expected to peak in Worcestershire tomorrow based on the rainfall in Wales, after initial reports that it would peak yesterday.

Dave Throup from the Environment Agency said levels were likely to peak around about where they were at Christmas, possibly a little bit higher.

But, speaking yesterday, Mr Throup said: “The good news is that after today’s rain we’re looking at a week of dry weather which will allow things to drop out, but very, very slowly.

“The Severn hasn’t moved in Worcester for several days. By the weekend we will still see very high river levels. It will be a very slow recovery process.”

People were also encouraged to use the most appropriate NHS services if they required health treatment to avoid putting extra pressure on the emergency department at this busy time of year.

The NHS in Worcestershire encouraged people to making use of their local GP, pharmacy and minor injuries services.

Dr Jonathan Leach, local GP and medical director for NHS Worcestershire, said: “A&E and the ambulance service should only be used for life threatening or serious conditions.

“Help us to treat those who most need our help, by only using A&E or dialling 999 if you really need it.”

For information on GP and pharmacy opening hours over the New Year period and where to go for health advice visit worcestershire.nhs.uk/choose-well.